Newt Collier reflects on 81st birthday, the late Alan Walden, why Macon needs a music district and more

Macon’s Newton Collier celebrated his 81st birthday last week with about 150 friends and well-wishers at the Douglass Theatre, watching a film about his musical life.

It’s called Newt: A Short Documentary and was made by Atlanta filmmaker Win Scott, with Macon’s Moira Glennon receiving producer credits. It debuted at last year’s Macon Film Festival, but the birthday showing at the Douglass offered viewers a bigger screen.

I checked in with Collier and got a few of his thoughts on seeing himself on the big screen, his friendship with the late Alan Walden, turning 81 and a couple of other things.

But first, a quick note on Collier himself — on the off chance you haven’t heard of him yet.

Born July 23, 1945, Collier began piano at 6, trumpet a couple of years later and by the time he was a teenager had begun hanging out with some of Macon’s prominent local groups. He studied music under local luminaries, such as piano teacher Gladys Williams and Ballard-Hudson High School band director Robert Scott, and was mentored by Samuel Coleman. Coleman’s friendship led to Collier sitting in and eventually finding his own spot in local bands, which led to his playing with the biggest names in soul music nationally and internationally, most notably a long stint with soul legends Sam & Dave.

A random gunshot on a Chicago street struck Collier in the jaw and ended his career but opened the way for his working in electronics and technology.

Today, he’s an ambassador for Macon, an active community volunteer, a beloved grandfather figure in music and an electronic trumpet player.

“Newt” on the big screen

“I really enjoyed the showing and appreciate the Douglass and everyone who helped put it together,” Collier said. “Most of all, I appreciate all those who showed up to celebrate — they made it a great party.”

And how about seeing the movie again in public and on a big screen?

“It came to life in a whole different way being on a bigger movie theater screen with a movie theater sound system,” he said. “I don’t know if it was just a mental thing or what, but there seemed to be more to it. Someone asked me afterward if they had added more, but it was just the effect of having a bigger screen, I guess. And the sound. Boom! The sound just hits you in the face. It was great.”

Collier is somewhat used to seeing himself on small screens, like being on TV’s Ed Sullivan Show with Sam & Dave.

What was it like seeing himself and his story on the big screen?

“Yeah, Win and Moira got all the good out of me; they really questioned me nonstop for the interviews,” Collier said. “Looking at the movie the second time, up big like that, I saw it, and my life, a little different. 

“I was struck by seeing what I’ve overcome. Looking at the persistence I had to do all this. And most of all, seeing how brave I was for even trying to have the career I had and living the life I have.”

Where did the tenacity and strength come from?

“It goes back to my mama and aunt,” Collier said. “My mama was a strong woman and so was my aunt. They were my teachers. All through my life, when I would say something was too hard, my aunt and my mother would say, ‘No, it isn’t, you just haven’t tried long enough.’ They told me that all the time and it stuck. 

“I’ve done a lot of different things and lived through a lot of things — some a lot of people would say were impossible. But that always stuck with me and got me through.”

Newt’s friend Alan Walden

Alan Walden’s life, including his friendship and association with Collier, has been documented in The Melody and elsewhere, but Collier couldn’t help talking about him after being at services for his friend on Saturday.

“When I got the call to go play with Sam & Dave, it was Alan who made the call to me,” Collier said, leaving a moment of silence after saying it as if to allow a memory and some gratitude to settle in.

I wrote on his 80th birthday how Collier had heard Johnny Jenkins, the Pinetoppers and its associated members, including Otis Redding and Coleman, practicing down the street from his aunt’s house. His mother and aunt wouldn’t let the much younger Newton go in and listen because they knew that, besides the music, there must have been some shenanigans going on.

But one day, while not going inside the house, Collier was, as usual, listening just a little ways off.

“Alan and his brother Phil Walden had driven up to the house, and Phil went inside,” Collier said. “Alan was waiting in the car. Of course, Phil went on to form a partnership with Otis Redding and then Capricorn Records and the Allman Brothers and all that, but at the time they were just starting to book bands at colleges and fraternity dances.

“I guess they were just about 18 or 19 year old kids then and I was about 16. I walked up to the car and Alan and I started talking. That was the start of our friendship, which lasted all these years. 

“As the years went on, I was in bands they were booking and, like I said, when Sam & Dave picked me up to be in their band and hit the road big time, it was Alan who gave me the call. I don’t know what it was back then that he told my mama that made her say yes so I could be out playing like I was as such a young kid.”

What Macon needs

Today, Collier mentors young musicians in both music and the music business. He suggests they don’t just “jam around” — being in different bands with different names but the same songs — but that they stick to one band and develop as unique musicians with their own sound. He also recommends those learning to play and seeking a career in music not try to do it on their own but practice and play with others.

“You grow so much more, learn faster that way,” he said.

Collier said he’d also love to see a more defined “music district” in downtown Macon with a variety of music venues that include blues and jazz clubs as well as rock clubs.

“Young people have to have places to play if they’re going to learn and grow and succeed,” he said. “And I’d like to see a place like a music district with restaurants surrounding it, like an entertainment district. You know, when people come to town for a convention or something, they’re in their meetings all day, then at night they always ask, ‘Where’s the entertainment?’ They want a break and different people like different kinds of music. It would be so good to be able to point them to a district and tell them they can find it all right there.”

At 81 years old he’s ‘doing good’

Collier reports good health and a healthy outlook toward the future. He’s lost some weight in the past couple of years and works toward eating healthier.

So, how’s 81 versus 80 so far?

“I tested myself this morning,” he said. “Before the sun came out, I got up and walked around the block like I do. I’m still doing the same. I don’t feel any different. I can still see down the street, so my eyes are probably still good. I haven’t walked out in front of a car or forgotten how to get from one spot to another spot, so I guess my mind might still be with me pretty good, and I still remember the names of most of the people I see on the street. 

“My sister said at this stage of the game I’m doing good to remember who I remember, so I guess all in all I’m doing good; hanging in there.”

Though his electronic trumpet lets him play despite his injury, he doesn’t perform but a few times a year these days. But he does practice and play along with his vast record and CD collection and he’s listening to young players, to his many friends and connections in Macon. Luckily, we’ll keep being able to listen to Newt and his stories for years to come. He’s been there, done that and he’s the kind of nice guy who doesn’t mind sharing the good with the bad.

And, he said, there’s probably another documentary or two needed to tell the whole story. 

Contact writer Michael W. Pannell at mwpannell@gmail.com. Find him on Instagram at michael_w_pannell.